Internships are one of the most essential learning experiences out there for young professionals—especially for high school students interested in law. As these positions are designed to be learning opportunities, internships give curious and proactive legal apprentices an early look into what career paths might be best suited for their unique strengths. On the job, students will get to know their interests, gain work experience, and gain insight into decisions on future academic and career pursuits.
Ready to get started? The article highlights 20 law internships for high school students, offering exposure to civil liberties, courtroom procedures, criminal justice, and more.
Why a Law Internship?
Wondering why YOU should consider a legal internship in high school? Participation in these experiences at a formative stage of life has multiple advantages. Let’s get a better picture of what a great internship can offer students.
Firstly, it’s undeniable: gaining experience is not only helpful in building up the student’s knowledge regarding the legal system, but also in forming crucial abilities like critical thinking, research, and communication. Such internships may thus instill a lifelong enthusiasm for justice and civic engagement, laying the groundwork for a successful legal career.
Beyond building legal knowledge, internships offer critical personal development opportunities as well. Interns, take time to reflect on the skills you gain—whether in leadership, problem-solving, or resilience. These are transferable abilities that will serve you well in any field and help strengthen your college applications. After all, personal growth, not just legal knowledge, is essential when choosing the right career path.
Convinced? Next, we will review 20 of the top law internships designed for high school students. These programs are distinctive and varied, but all provide the chance for students to try working alongside professionals and involving themselves in all kinds of possible features concerning law and its advocacy.
High School Law Internships to Consider
The following are some of the best law internships in the country for high school students who are interested in law careers.
Prestigious National Programs
1. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Summer Advocacy Program
The ACLU Summer Advocacy Program strives to provide high school students with an opportunity to engage in civil liberties issues at the national level. Participants receive hands-on experience in the area of advocacy and education about key legal issues, as they interact with some of the top lawyers and policy experts in the nation. Workshops, seminars, and other action-guiding activities help inspire a new generation of advocates for civil rights. This is an intensive, week-long program that immerses high school students in collegiate studies through workshops led by ACLU experts.
- Duration: 1 week in the summer (typically July)
- Requirements: High School students aged 15-18
- Application Deadline: April 14th, all applications received after will be considered on a rolling basis
2. Senate Page
The Senate Page Program lets high school students work first-hand with the U.S. Senate. Pages carry out a wide variety of tasks that are integral to the daily operation of the Senate. Additionally, they primarily deliver correspondence and legislative messaging in the institution. This program helps students gain a first-hand insight into the federal legislative process and how the federal government functions. This is a semester-long program that entails hands-on service in the U.S. Senate.
- Duration: Varies by term
- Requirements: Varies by term
- Application Deadline: Varies by term
3. NSLC’s Law & Advocacy Program by National Student Leadership Conference
The NSLC Law & Advocacy Program provides a peek into the world of law and legal process activities. In this kind of setting, they learn real-world dynamics of advocacy as they go through simulations, mock trials, and guest lectures. The program offers simulations and mock trials combined with lectures from guest speakers of the legal profession.
- Duration: 9 Days
- Requirements: High School students
- Application Deadline: Varies by location
4. National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Law & CSI
The NYLF Law & CSI program combines legal studies along with forensic science which appeals to students interested in both law and criminal investigations. Students participate in hands-on activities directly related to crime scene analysis and courtroom procedures. The program focuses on both law and forensic science through hands-on activities and simulations and its interaction with working professionals from law enforcement and other legal fields.
- Duration: 8 days in the summer
- Requirements: High school students
- Application Deadline: varies on term
5. US Department of Justice (DOJ) Pathways Internship Program
The DOJ Pathways Internship Program offers high school students the opportunity to be employed in the numerous divisions of the Department of Justice. This program exposes one to federal law enforcement, legal careers, and working in support of DOJ initiatives and projects. There are several internship duties within the different divisions of the DOJ, which intend to expose students to federal legal and law enforcement work, mentorship opportunities, and career development.
- Duration: varies on location
- Requirements: varies on location
- Application Deadline: Varies on location
Regional and City-Specific Programs
1. Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP)
The Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP) is an intensive search for the future professions of law concerning high school students throughout Atlanta. Interns are placed within law firms, courts, and the law department to support professionals while observing the legal procedures. This is a largely hands-on and networking program. It serves to introduce students to the world of law through feel and the opportunity to observe legal proceedings.
- Duration: Eight weeks
- Requirements: Committed high school students in the area
- Application Deadline: March 20th
2. Baltimore Law Links Internship
The Baltimore Law Links Internship program gets high school kids working firsthand with Baltimore lawyers. Experiential learning is ensured when participants help practicing lawyers by conducting research, preparing cases, and dealing with some administrative tasks. An opportunity opened up for the participants to explore diverse ways of practicing law and developing professional skills—all in an applied environment, including hands-on experience in conducting legal research, preparing case documentation, and administrative tasks, coupled with mentorship from legal professionals.
- Duration: Seven weeks
- Requirements: Baltimore Juniors and Seniors
- Application Deadline: April 5th
3. Brooklyn District Attorney High School Internship
Brooklyn District Attorney’s High School Internship Program: The program allows students to get an inside view of the criminal justice system. Under this program, interns work closely with assistant district attorneys, get down for courtroom activities, and help in preparing for trials. This program is perfect for students moving forward to criminal law and public service, as they receive active experience in case preparation and courtroom activities, giving a priceless insight into how criminal justice works.
- Duration: 3 days in winter or spring
- Requirements: High school students
- Application Deadline: January 31st
4. Dallas Bar Summer Law Intern Program
The Dallas Bar Summer Law Intern Program provides internships to Dallas-area high school students in a law firm, in-house with a corporate legal department, or in a governmental legal office. The students are put into practical experience in legal research, document preparation, and client interviews. The program also includes workshops and seminars that will give students more insight into the legal profession by providing internships within different legal entities, along with workshops and seminars on various related legal subjects.
- Duration: Four to eight weeks
- Requirements: Dallas ISD juniors
- Application Deadline: March 28th
5. Miami-Dade State Attorney High School Volunteer Internship Program
The High School Volunteer Internship Program of the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office gives any interested student a working experience in the State Attorney’s Office. Interns will be engaged in clerical work, observation of courtroom activities, and partial study of the criminal justice system. The program exposes students broadly to legal careers and public service through internships with the State Attorney’s Office, observation of courtroom procedures, and general exposure to the criminal justice system.
- Duration: 3 months minimum
- Requirements: High school students in the area
- Application Deadline: rolling acceptance
Specialized Law Internships
1. Summer Justice Program Intern, Broward County Law Office of the Public Defender
The Broward County Law Office of the Public Defender’s Intern Summer Justice Program offers a select group of high school students an opportunity to work in the public defender’s office. The interns research cases, observe courtroom proceedings, and study the defense side of the criminal justice system. The program is hands-on in public defense, and it gives interns experience with extensive legal processes and a strong overview of where challenges lie.
- Duration: Two weeks in the summer
- Requirements: 15-18-year-olds in the area
- Application Deadline: May 1st
2. Judicial Youth Corps Program
The Judicial Youth Corps Program introduces High School students to court careers. As an intern, one will get a chance to interact with judges and court staff through Court tours, research for legal opinions, and trials on imaginary cases. This program exposes the interns to dispensing justice and emphasizes learning through experience and exposure by professionals within the judicial system.
- Duration: 6 weeks in the summer
- Requirements: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the Boston area
- Application Deadline: Rolling until all spots are filled
3. Teach Democracy Expanding Horizons Institute
The Institute’s Teach Democracy Expanding Horizons Institute offers high school students experiential learning of democracy and civic engagement. Interns will be involved in workshops, simulations, and community service projects touching on democratic principles and advocating for legal rights. Applications are best suited for students interested in the intersection of law, politics, and questions of community service; the program focuses on experiential learning and components of civic engagement.
- Duration: June-July
- Logistical Requirements: sophomore or junior in the Los Angeles area who is a first-generation student
- Application Deadline: March 21st
4. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program
The Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program offers high school students an internship at various law firms and corporate legal departments. This program exposes them to realistic legal work involving research, case preparation, and clients. The following program will therefore diversify the legal profession by offering mentorship to and professional development of interns in the program.
- Duration: 6-8 weeks
- Requirements: NYC public high school student
- Application Deadline: January 29th
5. US Environmental Protection Agency Internship Programs in Pollution Prevention
The US Environmental Protection Agency’s Internship Programs accommodate high school student Internships in Pollution Prevention: projects related to environmental law and policy. The interns work on research, policy analysis, and community outreach projects regarding pollution prevention and environmental justice. This program provides a unique opportunity to combine interests in law and the environment with a key emphasis on practical experience in environmental protection.
- Duration: Varies
- Requirements: Varies
- Application Deadline: Varies
6. Equal Justice Initiative High School Summer Program
The Equal Justice Initiative High School Summer Program provides students the opportunity to work with the non-profit organization at the forefront of ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment. Interns will aid in research juxtaposed against public education projects and community outreach that this fellowship programmatically specializes in, providing experience in the real field of legal advocacy and human rights work, drawing emphasis on the importance of social justice and reforming of law.
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Requirements: High school students in the Montgomery, Alabama area
- Application Deadline: varies
7. Summer Law Institute
The summer program is free and available to all the counties but is for rising high school freshmen. The students get acquainted with work in a professional environment, to positive role models, and view promising career opportunities. They will also explore criminal justice, perform a mock trial, go on field trips—and build a high school and beyond readiness, discipline, and skills.
- Duration: 5 weeks
- Requirements: rising high school freshmen in the NYC area
- Application Deadline: rolling
8. UPenn Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program (SMP)
The Provost’s Summer Mentorship Program is a no-cost four-week Pre-College for first-generation and underrepresented students by the University of Pennsylvania. This program is for current freshmen and sophomores from Philadelphia and its surrounding counties and is designed to better prepare interns for both a college and a career. SMP is available through five of UPenn’s professional schools—including the Law School. Students engage in activities ranging from general test-taking skills to personal growth activities, professional development, financial literacy, and wellness.
- Duration: 4 weeks
- Requirements: underrepresented freshmen and sophomores from Philadelphia
- Application Deadline: February 14th
9. Communities in Schools of Houston Summer Legal Internship Program
This internship program of eight weeks matches high school juniors and seniors with law firms, corporate legal departments, and public interest agencies in the Houston area. Participants in this program will learn how possible legal careers apply in actual work, build experiences in the field, job readiness, and develop the life skills required for success in their future.
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Requirements: juniors and Seniors in the Houston area
- Application Deadline: rolling
10. The Wake Forest University Summer Immersion Program
Wake Forest University’s Summer Immersion Program addresses the need to further improve students’ communication and argument-building skills for debate and public advocacy. This week-long program offers participants current events discussions and trains them in very useful skills: legal reasoning, persuasion, and effective advocacy both for oneself and others. This residential program, board- and meal-inclusive, is $2,800 and takes place on the university campus. Students receive a Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion after the program, acknowledging their attendance and achievement.
- Duration: Week of July 6-11 or week of July 13-18
- Requirements: High school students
- Application Deadline: rolling
More Law Internship Options to Browse…
San Francisco District Attorney’s Office Internship
High school students and undergraduate students in college can participate in this internship. Those who have an interest in criminal justice can gain first-hand experience by witnessing the diverse opportunities this office offers.
There is no application deadline and no set duration for this program. The internship offers a chance for internists to help with many different tasks, including:
- Contacting witnesses
- Organizing case files
- Preparing case files
- Managing records
In addition, students participating in internships with the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office can help manage subpoenas involving jury trials and pre-trial hearings.
State Bar Association of North Dakota High School Mock Trial Program
The application deadline for this highly sought pre-law program is January 9th. While this particular entry is for North Dakota, the bar associations of many states offer similar law internships for high school students. Many counties and regions do as well.
The North Dakota High School Mock Trial Program offers students an insider’s look at the average workday of lawyers, paralegals, and other law professionals. This program introduces students to the legal system and trial processes while promoting the development of students’ reasoning skills and critical thinking skills.
This program is also exceptional because it prepares interns for competing in the National High School Mock Trial Championship.
Passport to Work Youth Employment Services
The Passport to Work Youth Employment Services Program is located in Washington, D.C., and has no set duration and no determined application deadline.
The program is a paid internship that includes seminars to teach students crucial skills for law professionals, such as time management and communication. Students who participate in high school law internships like this are able to experience legislative processes first-hand, despite the fact that many intern tasks are more clerical in nature.
California Innocence Project Internship
This is one of the more popular law internships for high school students who are interested in criminal or post-conviction law. Students who participate in this internship work in the San Diego office of the California Innocence Project, and there are three different sessions available (spring, summer, and fall).
The application deadlines for these sessions are:
- Spring session: November 1
- Summer session: March 1
- Fall session: July 1st
There is no set duration for the sessions, and the program has flexible hours. Ideally, however, it’s preferred that student interns work 15–35 hours per week.
Depending on how busy you are during the spring and fall, those hours may be difficult to achieve. The summer session might be the best for you if you have limited free time during the other sessions.
DOI Pathways
This excellent program is a paid internship offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior. It’s available to high school students, undergraduates, and graduate students. Various hiring agencies within the Department of the Interior offer these internships, which relate to different careers and fields of study.
Students who become interns with this program get an insider’s point of view on environmental and public policy, and some interns are even able to turn their internship into either a temporary four-year position or a permanent one. There are no application deadlines and no set duration for the DOI Pathways Internship Program.
Internship with Congresswoman Lucy McBath
Lucy McBath is a representative from Georgia who offers high school students the unique opportunity to intern under a government official. It’s a premium way to garner first-hand experience in law from public policy officials.
Congresswoman McBath offers students part-time and full-time internships in the District of Columbia during the summer, spring, and fall.
Interns enjoy seeing in-depth how a congressional office operates from day to day, and they are also able to attend briefs and hearings. Students who are interns with Lucy McBath will answer calls from constituents and research and draft written records.
Because the internships cover various seasons, there is a rolling application deadline and no set duration for sessions.
NYU High School Law Institute (HSLI) Programs
New York University offers high school students the chance to attend classes that are taught by teams of NYU undergrad law students. These free classes are held on Saturdays. Participants will study various topics, including:
- Moot court
- Constitutional law
- Criminal law
- The impact of the legal system
- Evidence
- Argument evaluation
The classes are discussion-driven, and the NYU students who teach are not only trained but also given plenty of support. Alongside its sister program at Columbia Law School, NYU offers programming that is free of charge throughout the year.
The sessions for the HSLI program run in the fall from September through November and in the spring throughout January and February.
Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internships
The Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP) of the Atlanta Bar Association is one of the most popular results that might turn up if you search “pre-law internships near me” online. The program is open to high school students who are interested in learning more about various legal professions and the American legal system.
SLIP has been educating high school student interns for more than 30 years, and students are paid for their internship time, which runs for eight weeks. Student interns gain insight into all facets of the law as they garner valuable experience and build relationships with mentors in the legal system.
How to Maximize Your Internship Experience
As you complete your law internship, think about how you can incorporate your experiences into your college applications. Admissions officers at top universities love to see students take the initiative and explore fields they’re passionate about! Use your internship stores to show how the experience shaped your culture academic and career goals. Highlight and journal about specific moments where you learned a new skill, navigated a challenge, or encountered a new legal specialty.
The Importance of Networking at Your Internships
Don’t overlook the importance of networking during your internship! Building relationships with mentors, lawyers, and colleagues can provide invaluable rewards in addition to friendship—professional guidance, letters of recommendation, and even potential career opportunities down the line. Make an effort to maintain these connections beyond your internship, as they can play a pivotal role in your future legal career.
Legal Internships and You
In conclusion, law internships offer a diverse array of opportunities for aspiring legal professionals. Whether through large firms, public interest organizations, or government agencies, these internships provide invaluable hands-on experience that can shape a student’s career trajectory. All students should actively seek out and apply for these internships, as they not only enhance legal knowledge but also foster critical skills in research, advocacy, and client interaction.
Early exposure to the legal field is transformative, allowing students to apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios and gain insights into various legal specialties. This experience not only builds competence but also confidence in navigating the complexities of law. As students embark on their internship journeys, they should embrace every learning opportunity, network diligently, and reflect on how each experience contributes to their professional growth.
Ultimately, the impact of early legal experience extends beyond resume-building; it lays the foundation for a successful legal career grounded in practical understanding and a passion for justice. Therefore, seize the chance to explore these internships fully—they may very well pave the way towards fulfilling and impactful legal careers.
Are you looking to secure a law internship?
Empowerly gives personalized guidance and resources in wading through the competitive landscape of legal internships. Their talented advising staff is at the forefront in perfecting application strategies, résumé creation, and preparatory-interview work, and will guide you toward standing out in an already very competitive field. With this kind of support, aspiring legal professionals are empowered to go after and secure the very valuable internship opportunities that position them to achieve their career goals. Start the first steps of your successful legal career with Empowerly today!
